Drug offenses include the illegal possession, transportation, manufacture, and sale of drugs, and each offense can carry severe penalties. By retaining the services of drug crime lawyers who are highly experienced in defending such cases, those accused of such crimes can have their legal rights protected.
Drug-related crime encompasses a wide variety of crimes, and thousands of people are arrested each year for these crimes. In fact, the US Drug Enforcement Agency recorded more than 30,000 drug arrests in the country in 2009. The prevalence of these crimes has resulted in increased pressure on law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in the fight against such crimes.
Each crime, depending on the circumstances and the amount of drugs found, can have harsh consequences. For example, people convicted of possession of illegal drugs can face prison terms, fines, and registration as drug offenders, among other things. Transporting and distributing drugs can carry more severe punishment depending on certain conditions, such as the types and amount of drugs being transported. Defendants who are not US citizens also face deportation if convicted.
Whether or not people arrested and charged with drug offenses are guilty of them, those people still retain certain legal rights, chief among which is the right to legal assistance. Due to the serious legal consequences associated with these crimes, it is in the defendant’s best interest to obtain the help of qualified drug crimes attorneys as soon as possible. Experienced criminal attorneys can not only protect the rights of their clients, but also use their extensive pool of resources to build a strong and aggressive defense.